Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These air fryer chicken nuggets are a quick and easy way to enjoy classic comfort food with less oil and fuss. Lightly seasoned and crisply breaded, they come out golden and crunchy, perfect for a family dinner or a fun snack. Ready in just about 25 minutes, this recipe helps satisfy cravings without the mess of frying.

I first made these nuggets on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick yet tasty. Now they are a staple whenever I crave crispy chicken without turning on the oven or deep fryer.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: skinless and boneless cut evenly into 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook thoroughly and uniformly
• Eggs: whisked with smoked paprika and spices to create a flavorful coating that clings well
• Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky depth to elevate the nugget flavor choose regular paprika if smoked is unavailable
• Garlic powder and onion powder: for that classic savory touch
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors making each bite balanced
• Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko: offer the perfect crispy texture and light coating
• Cooking oil spray: helps nuggets crisp up beautifully without excess oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Warm your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes so it reaches the ideal temperature to cook the nuggets evenly and achieve that satisfying crisp.

Prepare the Chicken:

Trim any excess fat from 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts and slice into roughly 1-inch pieces. Cutting the pieces similar in size is key for even cooking so none come out underdone.

Mix the Egg Mixture:

In a large bowl whisk together 2 eggs with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This not only flavors the chicken but helps the coating stick.

Set up the Breading Station:

Place 3 ounces of panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for easy dipping and coating.

Bread the Chicken:

Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture then coat thoroughly in the panko pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well for maximum crunch.

Arrange and Cook:

Lay the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket being careful not to crowd or overlap which would prevent crispiness. You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Spray with Oil and Air Fry:

Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up as they cook. Air fry for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown crispy and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the nuggets carefully with tongs and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. These nuggets are best warm and fresh for maximum enjoyment.

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These nuggets bring back memories of weekend family movie nights when the kids and I would all gather around the screen with bowls full of these crispy bites. Smoked paprika is my special favorite ingredient because it gives the nuggets a smoky depth that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep nicely for 2 to 3 days. When ready to eat reheat in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 to 8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you prefer to avoid eggs you can use buttermilk or a dairy-free milk mixed with a little mustard as a binder
• Regular paprika works fine if smoked is not available but it will be less bold
• For a gluten-free version choose gluten-free panko breadcrumbs which maintain crunch without gluten

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets are fantastic served with classic ketchup honey mustard barbecue sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo. Consider pairing with a side salad steamed veggies or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.

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Cultural Context

Chicken nuggets originated as a popular American fast food that combined convenience and kid-friendly appeal. Air frying updates this tradition by offering a way to enjoy the nostalgic flavors with less oil and fewer calories while keeping that beloved crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer?

Cut the chicken into uniform, roughly 1-inch chunks and place them in a single layer without overlapping. This promotes even cooking and crispiness.

→ Can I substitute the smoked paprika with regular paprika?

Yes, regular paprika can be used, but smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the taste.

→ What type of oil spray is best for crisping?

An olive oil spray adds flavor, but neutral oils like avocado or canola work equally well to achieve a crispy coating.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 4-8 minutes to restore crispness.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to avoid gluten while maintaining the crunchy texture.

→ How can I make sure the coating sticks well to the chicken?

Dip each chicken piece first in the seasoned egg mixture, then press lightly into the panko breadcrumbs to help the coating adhere firmly.